ST. STEPHEN'S PARISH
676 Kearny Ave, Kearny, New Jersey 07032
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FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Q: How can I become a member of St. Stephen's Church? 
A: There are two ways in which you can register at St. Stephen's Church: (1) Stop by the Rectory during office hours for a registration form, fill it up, then hand it to the parish secretary. (2) Fill out the registration form found on this website, then drop it off at the Rectory.
Q: What are my obligations as a Catholic and parishioner?
A: As a Catholic you are encouraged to do the following: attend Mass regularly especially on Sundays and Holy Days of obligation, avail yourself of the other Sacraments that the Church offers, and live a good Christian life. As a parishioner of St. Stephen's Parish, you are encouraged to support your Church both spiritually and financially. You are encouraged to pray for our Church and its members daily. Also, we encourage you to participate in the affairs and activities of the parish.
Q: What are the scheduled days for confession? 
A: Saturday from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.; Monday from 6:30 P.M. to 6:55 P.M.; and by appointment.
Q: When is the Rectory open?
A: Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.; Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Q: Are there any parish organizations I can join? 
A: Parish Organizations are listed on this website under "Ministries."
Q: What number should I dial to contact a priest for an anointing? 
A: For anointing of the sick and for emergency, you can always call the Rectory at anytime. The Rectory number is: 201-998-3314.
Q:  How do I join the the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)?
A: If you are interested in joining the RCIA program, you can contact Sr. Rita Kearney, SSJ at 201-991-0236, or you can call Fr. Richard  at the Rectory for inquiry.
Q: How can I join and become an altar server of the parish? 
A: First of all, you must be at least in the fourth grade to become an altar server. For information  and inquiry about the process and training to become an altar server, you can call Fr. Alex at the Rectory.
Q: Does St. Stephen's Church has a youth program?
A: Yes. For information and inquiry, you can call Patricia Sherwen, the Parish Youth Minister, at 201-991-5107.
Q: Is there an adult Catechism program in the parish? 
A: Yes. We have the "Why Catholic Program", the Adult Catechesis and Bible Study, and the Faith Study Classes. For inquiry about any of these programs, you can call the Rectory at 201-998-3314.
Q: How can I be a lector or a Special Minister of the Eucharist?
A: Call Fr. Joe in the Rectory during office hours at 201-998-3314. 
Q: I want to get married in  St. Stephen's Parish, what do I need to do? 
A: First, you must be a registered parishioner of St. Stephen's, or at least you must be  "connected" with the parish in some way.  Second, you must contact the Rectory and speak with Terrie, the Parish Secretary, for initial screening. Third, Fr. Joe will call you up for the initial interview. From there, he will explain to you (the couple) about the marriage preparation program of the Parish.
Q: I want my child to be baptized in St. Stephen's Parish, what do I need to do? 
A: Call up the Rectory for guidelines. Baptisms in the parish are scheduled once a month on Sunday afternoons except during Lent. Arrangements can be made through the Parish office.Parents and Godparents must attend a special catechetical session prior to the Baptism.
Q:  I want to get my marriage annulled, what do  I need to do?
A: Make an appointment with one of the priests for information, or you can inquire directly tot he Metropolitan Ttribunal of the Archdiocese of Newark at 973-497-4145.
Q: I belong to another religious faith and I want to become a Catholic. What do I need to do? 
A: Contact Sr. Rita Kearny, SSJ and inquire about the RCIA program of the parish, or you can make an appointment with one of the priests or deacons, for inquiry and information.
Q: I need some advice with regard to my marriage and personal life, who should I call? 
A: Call one of the priests or deacons in the Rectory for advise.  
Q: I would like a priest or deacon to bless my house, what should I do? 
A: Call the Rectory to make an appointment with one of the priests or deacons.
Q: I am an adult and I want to be confirmed, what do I need to do? 
A: Call Sr. Rita Kearney, SSJ or Fr. Richard at the Rectory to inquire about the process.
Q: Is there a Filipino Mass at St. Stephen's? 
A: Yes, there is a Filipino Mass at. St. Stephen's every Fourth Sunday of the month at 5:00 P.M., unless announced otherwise. For information, call Fr. Alex at the Rectory.
Q: What is the proper way of receiving the Eucharist during Holy Communion?
A: Each person whould receive the Eucharist from the priest, deacon or Special Minister of the Eucharist with reverence. The Eucharist is given either by placing on the tongue or in the hand. After the minister says "The Body of Christ," or "The Blood of Christ," the person receiving the Eucharist should answer "Amen," not "Thank you." After receiving the 'Body of Christ', the host should be consumed immediately.
Q: Can I receive Holy Communion without first going to confession? 
A: Yes, as long as you have not committed any mortal sin. However, you are required to make an act of contrition before receiving the Eucharist, and you are also obligated to go to confession as soon as possible after committing any sins.